Energy from the Ground – Geothermal Energy!
It’s interesting to think that underneath us lies a powerful energy source. However, that’s exactly what geothermal energy is! Geothermal energy is simply the interior heat from the Earth. Geothermal energy is harnessed through hot water reservoirs that naturally exist or are created by humans at various temperatures and depths under the Earth’s surface. To access geothermal resources, wells up to a mile deep or more are sunk into subsurface reservoirs. The heat energy can power turbines that are linked to power generators, which can be used in a range of purposes such as power production, direct usage, and heating and cooling. The United States is the world’s greatest generator of geothermal energy, with most geothermal reservoirs located in the western states.
There are many ways that geothermal energy can be used. About 10 feet below the Earth’s surface, the ground is a steady temperature of 50 to 60° F all year. Geothermal heat pumps use this consistent temperature to heat or cool water. Water may be heated in the winter and cooled in the summer by traveling through the Earth. A heat exchanger can then use this water to heat or cool the air in a home. Another method of using the Earth’s heat is to directly use hot water from hot springs. This water may be utilized to heat houses and buildings using heat exchangers. It may also be used to heat pools.
Geothermal energy has several advantages. It may be extracted without the use of a fossil fuel like coal, gas, or oil. Geothermal resources emit around one-sixth of the carbon dioxide that a comparably clean natural-gas-fueled power plant does. Geothermal energy, unlike solar and wind energy, is always accessible. It’s also reasonably priced. However, it has certain environmental issues. The major source of worry is the emission of hydrogen sulfide, a gas that, even at low quantities, smells like rotten eggs. If present in high concentrations or with prolonged exposure, t is harmful to the respiratory and central nervous systems. Another issue to be concerned about is the disposal of some geothermal fluids, which may include trace amounts of harmful chemicals.
In today’s world, with a huge reliance on fossil fuels, geothermal energy may be a much better alternative to the harmful emissions, and it helps to power homes and businesses all over the world.
Source:
“Geothermal Energy Information and Facts.” 
Environment, National Geographic, 3 May 2021.
Scientific Peer Review by Alysia Mandato
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